Quantum dots with silica shells

Abstract

The present paper introduces to the problems related with the application of silica shells to luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals, especially for bioanalytical applications. Two examples for the preparation of silica shells are presented: First, preparation of a very thin silica layer with simultaneous functionalisation and biological application. Second, a new preparation method for silica shells based on a sol- gel approach. In summary, it is shown, that - despite of all problems - high-quality silica coated nanocrystals can be prepared and are well suited for bioanalytical applications.